Structural Response of Corroded, Unbonded Posttensioned Beams

Abstract

This paper presents the development of models and the analytical study of the structural response of deteriorating unbonded posttensioned beams, with the aim of providing suitable tools for the evaluation of existing deteriorated structures. The corrosion phenomena of the tendons are reviewed in the introduction. Two modeling approaches are proposed: (1) beam macro finite-elements (MFE) using cross-section analysis and (2) two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear finite-element (FE) analysis. The corrosion attack modeling considers tendon-breaking and ductility-reduction of the prestressing and mild steel. Bond deterioration is also considered for the ordinary reinforcement. The models are validated by simulating three tests on corroded beams with unbonded prestressing wires, part of the